Connie Mason by The Black Knight Read Free Book Online

been tame compared to what he really wanted to do to her. He wanted to probe her mouth with his tongue, to learn if it was as sweet as he suspected. He wanted to touch her virgin breasts and hear her sudden intake of breath when she felt the first stirring of arousal.
    He ignored her strangled protest and deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue into her mouth even as his hand sought a firm breast. But still it was not enough. He sucked on her tongue; her muted plea turned into a sigh as he found an erectnipple and teased it with his fingertips. It hardened against his palm and he smiled. Then he pressed a knee between her thighs, separating them so she could ride him.
    Her sigh turned into a moan as she worked her softness against his knee, as if seeking something elusive. He knew exactly what she needed. He would have laid her down in the soft hay and taken her had not a voice calling out of the darkness interrupted them. His arms fell away and Raven would have fallen had he not reached out to steady her. He knew the moment she realized they were not alone, for he felt her tense and glance over her shoulder.
    “Raven, where are you? Your maid said you did not return to your chamber.”
    “Waldo,” she said in a hushed voice.
    Drake said naught. His body stiffened, as Waldo made his way unerringly toward them. He carried a torch to light his way and had already spied them, so there was no escape.
    Drake’s hand tightened on the hilt of his sword when Waldo grasped Raven’s arm and shoved her behind him.
    “God’s blood, woman! What are you doing out here with
him?
Have you no shame? I should beat you for this.”
    “I have done naught,” Raven denied hotly. “The hall was so warm I decided to take some air before retiring.”
    “And you just happened to run into Sir Bastard,” Waldo taunted.
    Drake’s sword was halfway out of its scabbard before he thought better of his impulse and shoved it back into place. Killing Waldo now would not win him the purse he sought. He would wait until they met in the lists to teach Waldo a lesson.
    “Go to your chamber, Raven,” Waldo bit out. “You will explain this to me on our wedding night. You have much to account for, my lady, but presently I have little time to take you to task. The tournaments start tomorrow at terce and I must conserve my energy.”
    Raven whirled and marched away, casting a single glance over her shoulder at Drake. Drake tried to ignore the desperation her expression conveyed as he returned his attention to Waldo.
    “So, brother, you still covet what is mine,” Waldo said with a sneer. “First Daria and now Raven. You cannot have her. I wanted her even before Father betrothed me to Daria. Raven has fire in her, as you surely have noticed, and I look forward to taming her. I have spent considerable time and money acquiring Raven,” he continued. “Do anything to keep me from what is mine and you will live to regret it.”
    “ ’Tis convenient, is it not, that Daria died so you could pursue Raven?”
    “Aye, convenient,” Waldo repeated but did not elaborate. “ ’Tis legal, Drake. The pope himself gave me leave to wed Raven.”
    “You are welcome to her,” Drake said. The words flowed easily from his mouth, though he was not certain he meant them. Raven had become an alluring woman. What man would not want her? She exuded sexuality and innocence at the same time. Or was she truly as innocent as she pretended? It annoyed him to think that Waldo had sparked passion within her. “Raven and I were merely discussing old times.”
    “Stay away from her, brother. You did not get Daria, nor can you have Raven. Her maidenhead belongs to me. Keep your interests confined to the tournament.” His expression grew thoughtful, and then he gave Drake an ingratiating smile. “Mayhap I’ll send you a flagon of Duff’s private wine as consolation,” he said in parting. “As a brotherly gesture, you understand.”
    Waldo’s obsequious smile went